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Search for acid-fast bacilli in bottled mineral waters
The Journal of Applied Bacteriology
|May 1, 1985
Summary
Acid-fast bacilli were detected in 10.7% of Italian bottled mineral water samples. While generally present in low counts, the risk of infection is considered negligible for most consumers.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Food Safety
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Bottled mineral water is a widely consumed beverage.
- Microbiological contamination of food and beverages is a public health concern.
- Acid-fast bacilli (AFB) are a group of bacteria that include Mycobacterium species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of acid-fast bacilli in bottled mineral water sold in Italy.
- To identify the types of AFB present and assess their potential health risks.
Main Methods:
- Microbiological analysis of 84 bottled mineral water samples (11 carbonated, 73 non-carbonated).
- Isolation and identification of acid-fast bacilli using standard microbiological techniques.
- Quantification of mycobacterial counts.
Main Results:
- Acid-fast bacilli were detected in 10.7% of the samples.
- The majority of isolates were identified as Mycobacterium gordonae, Mycobacterium flavescens, Mycobacterium phlei, and Nocardia sp.
- Mycobacterial counts were generally low (2-3 CFU/litre), with one exception of Mycobacterium sphagni.
- The presence of AFB was attributed to incidental contamination rather than being a natural component of the water.
Conclusions:
- Bottled mineral water can be incidentally contaminated with acid-fast bacilli.
- The detected levels of AFB in bottled mineral water pose a negligible risk of infection.
- Immunocompromised individuals face a higher risk from tap water contamination compared to bottled mineral water.